KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Tourist arrivals amounted to over 19.1 million last year, nearly 20 per cent more than that recorded in 2006. Tourism Malaysia director (Southeast Asia Division) Zainuddin Wahab said more would be done in areas like eco-tourism and agro-tourism to meet the projected 22.5 million tourists this year.

He was speaking to more than 174 participants of the Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programme 2008 comprising tour agents and members of the media from 12 countries in conjunction with the launch of Visit Kelantan Year 2008 and the Chinese New Year National Open House 2008 on Friday.

Held on the theme "Malaysia Truly Asia", the event was aimed at heightening awareness among foreign tour operators and the media about tourism destinations, products and services here to help them experience Malaysian hospitality first hand.

Over RM10 million would be spent next month on the Formula 1 Grand Prix from March 21 to 23.